Easter Fun & Spring Happenings (2010)

We will not bore you with the "story" of the past weeks, since our last post, but we would like to add a slide show. This will give you a 'taste' of our Easter weekend of fun and MORE!!! (Click on the center of the slide to be taken directly to the photo album. BUT, NOT ON THE ARROW, because that will only begin the slide show.)
On a personal note, I would like to add, how happy we were to have a portion of the Louisiana family with us over the weekend! Our only regret, was that they were not ALL able to be here, but for those that were, thank you, we love you and we can't wait to see y'all again!

This Is the Month of Love...

It's hard to believe, that one Christmas could change someones life forever, but that's just what happened to me. Greg and I fell in love during the Holiday Season of 2003 making this our 6th Valentine's Day together 'In-Love', 5th as husband and wife and 2nd to share with our Aly-Girl! Where has the time gone? "Love is a many-splendored thing, Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living, Yes, true love's a many-splendored thing." (by: Frank Sinatra---a perfect way to put "LOVE" into a song, if you ask me!) God has been so good to me and given me an almost-perfect life with an ideal husband, Greg and a lifetime dream come true in little Alyson. Life really couldn't be much better...

I will always love you, Greg!
~Aly, Daddy and I both love you more than you'll ever know!
Happy Valentine's Day to my two Valentine's... XO

Somewhat of A Calm After the 'Celebration' Storm...

We had a calm week this past week... more or less! Just the normal week with Baby-Duty, Greg's job and my Church work. Aly has been working pretty hard, as well! With the addition of a new tooth or two and the business of trying the 'walking-without-leaning-thing'!
We had a pleasant weekend... Friday evening - we joined the entire family 'Crew' at a local Buffet for supper and ate entirely toooo much! (Isn't that what Buffet's are for, though? LOL) Saturday - Greg, Aly and I just hung out, had fun together and OF COURSE made our usual Saturday stop at Walmart! Sunday - We had incredible services at Church... much like a Camp Meeting with wonderful music and gifted preaching!!! The weekend felt very short though, because Greg didn't have Monday off this week and because of his schedule, this week already feels like it should be half over and it's only Tuesday evening!!! LOL
So much for the calm, we'll certainly be busy over the next 10 days or so finalizing Alyson's 1st Birthday party, no question there! Her actual Birthday is right in the middle of our Fall Revival, so we'll be celebrating with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins the weekend before and plan to invite 'friends' next year. On Monday afternoon, we went to order her cake and can't wait to see what she thinks of it! The theme is coming together very nicely we're so excited... though a bit sad that the year has flown by so quickly!
Here are a few pictures we snapped of Aly on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon! (We promise to post more next week...)
Going for the big brown bear at Mamaw S's house just before Sunday dinner! Destination reached, made contact with the bear and quite happy about it, too! At home, trying to get this walking thing down pat, on Saturday evening!

The 3 "P's": Praise, Parade and Present...

Here is a picture taken this evening of Alyson playing in her favorite... toy, the "ExerSaucer", with her favorite... Baby Day Parade "Balloon" and all dolled-up in a favorite... "Nightie"! Here's the scoop!

First of all, we'd like to share a 'Praise' with ya'll... Aly has been a very sick little girl (fever, fussy, fitful sleep, etc. - not at ALL like her regular-self) for a few days but, is feeling much better now!!!
She was able to participate in our Church 'Baby Day Parade' yesterday... and she looked like a true "Princess" in her decorated buggy! (A Special thanks to Memaw for making that stroller look like it belonged at Buckingham Palace!!!)
Aly has also been sportin' around in a new 'Present' (her Nightie from San Antonio - BTW! Thanks Uncle Danny, Aunt Ronda, Corey, Cassie and Cade - she loves it!!!)

Greg and I were in charge of the Baby Day Parade, so we were unable to get pictures that day... However, we had a Parade Photographer present, so we hope to receive a picture soon and will upload it for you to view ASAP! It was quite a stressful day but, we COULD NEVER have made it without Mama and Daddy helping us out!!! They worked so hard for and with us... that Parade turned out organized AND cute... a day the Congregation won't soon forget!
Mama and Daddy: Here's a *SPECIAL THANK YOU* for all your hard work... we love you both very very very much!!!

We're anxious to create another online Photo Album, of Aly 'modeling' all the outfits and stuff bought for her by Memaw, Papaw and the 'clan' on their recent trip to Louisiana!!! The South still knows how to dress a little girl up, that's for sure... WOW! The gifts are all simply beautiful! (We'll try to post that Album soon!)

Greg and I have been dealing with a few things lately, at church and at home, that have us concerned and in much prayer... Respect is such an issue these days, not only with young people/teens but very small children and adults, as well. We found a quote online that has helped us and we'd like to share it with you... in hopes that it may help some of you, as well.

"The parents who teach (or demand) their children to respect and honor them
are not being selfish.
They are guaranteeing their child longer life,
a richer and fuller life, and a life that is built
around the needs of others.
They are also guaranteeing themselves a happier and more prosperous old age."

Please continue to help us pray for our state and the many problems the recent storms have caused here in Indiana... remember to stay safe AND dry now, ya'll!

Depressed in Indiana...

Just wishing, dreaming and wanting to be headed South with the family!!! While working through this slight state of depression, I've found several REASONS for these gray clouds in my mind and I'd love to share them with you! The photos below should allow everyone to feel my pain - if only for a moment! (*wink * wink*)
I'll take a second to fill you in on a little background of what is happening... My parents, Aunt and Grandmother are headed to Louisiana on vacation this week.

Daydreaming Of Louisiana

Well needless to say, with us having just moved and Greg's new(ish) job, we are simply unable to tag along this year! Now, there's no words to describe what just thinking about the South does for me - let alone the idea of BEING there. I was born down there, I have DEEP southern roots and my blood is as southern as anyone's!!! Maybe the words to this song will help you see where I'm coming from. (*SMILE*)

Maybe it was a dream last night
Or looking into my daughter's eyes
But my heart was sinking
Yeah, man, it got me thinking
About all of my yesterdays
Every minute, every page of my innocence
Wishing I could go back when
I was wild and free as the Mississippi
Playing in the sugar cane
A part of me is gone
I don't know when it slipped away

I guess I left it in Louisiana
Blowing in the wind
Hiding in the quarter
Gotta get back there again
To the sweet sounds of the bayou
Let it wash right over me
Make me whole again
Bring back that missing piece
That I left in Louisiana

Now, having shared my "melancholy" mood with you, I want to point out that I'm not even close to actually being depressed, only a tad bit "sentimental". I have many many wonderful memories of my days in Louisiana and I can't wait for Greg and I to take our little Alyson there someday (soon)!
I've been blessed beyond words with a wonderful husband, a precious baby girl, awesome parents, an incredible family, a new home, etc. - - - I wouldn't trade a single one - - - not even for a trip down South this week! (*BIG GRIN*)
Well, I hope you have enjoyed your little 'look into' or 'tasty treat' of MY wild and wonderful Louisiana (photos, that is!)...

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail, Hoppin Down the Bunny Trail...

...hippity hoppity, Easter's on it's way!!!


(Alyson Dawn - Early Spring 2008) It doesn't seem possible, Easter is only 2 days away, now!!! We wanted to wish everyone in BLOGGERLAND a very Happy one... filled with God's promises and blessings! Take time to 'breathe in' all the beauty this Season holds!

Don't faint and fall out with this statement, but we plan to take several pictures over the Holiday weekend! Furthermore, we'll post them for you to view ASAP! We realize that we've not done a very good job lately of posting pix - having temporary 'Dial Up' being our excuse! It's amazing how our Alyson is growing, so we feel you've just got to see her! We're not in the least bit proud, either!!!

We also wanted to let you know that God has answered one our many prayers and given us a house!!! We will be eternally grateful!!! God is SO good, isn't He? We will be able to move in by the end of April! With this move, we'll once again have DSL and will in turn be able to update our BLOG and Online Photo Albums much more often! YAY!!!

Due to our 'Template' change for March and April, we have moved all of our 'former blogs' to our "Blog Archive". Please take time to view them if you have not already done so. Lots to see... photos, slide shows, etc.!

Again, we wish you a very Happy Easter and look forward to much more BLOGGING in the near future!!! May the peace of God continue to bless you and your's this Spring!

Happy March, Ya'll!

It's hard to believe that March has arrived!!! We're loving this spring-like weather! 65*+ outside this morning (and still rising) with clear sunny skies! Simply beautiful!!!

What a SHOCK when you realize that our little Alyson is already 4 months old!!! (BTW - THIS PIC IS NOT OF OUR ALY - I JUST COULDN'T RESIST POSTING IT! TOO CUTE THOUGH, DON'T YA THINK?)

Well, we're spending the weekend in Mexico (the town, not the country, that is! LOL) with Greg's family and having a BALL!
Alyson just can't get over being at Mawmaw and Pawpaw P's house with her big 'Bub' and 'Sis'!







(Whitley, Fall 2007) This is all so new to her and really quite fun, too. No doubt she'll really "get into" these trips in a few months when she can 'toddle' around and 'shadow' both Wes and Whit... after all, what else are big brother's and sister's for???

(Wesley, Fall 207) Guess that'll be it for 'blogging' at the moment, we'll do our best to try and get a couple more in by the end of the month!

(Aly, Winter 2008) Take care, have a Happy March and enjoy this 'springy' weather! (Isn't it just the best Season ever!) Spring fever has HIT, that's for sure!!!

THE MOST RECENT NEWS ON THE BABY FRONT...

Well, we had our ultra-sound done this week and all was well! Baby Alyson's growing at the right rate, my weight was good, the baby's measurements were just right and all of the other numbers were great!
I'll see my last 'emergency' doctor in the medical complex "tour" in two weeks and the following week, I'll see my own doctor, again. At which point, we should be able to find out just when little Aly will be arriving! It could just be at the end of this month or on her late-great-Grandpa Smith's birthday... We are just busy playing the waiting game for a bit longer before finding out exactly what's going on! It won't be long now though, that's for sure!
We'll do our best to post another BLOG here as soon as possible.
Below you'll find a few pictures of Aly's "almost completed" nursery...
We would like to wish everyone a great week - Happy Fall, ya'll!

nursery

I'VE BEEN TAGGED BY COUSIN RONDA, SO HERE GOES! 7 THINGS ABOUT MYSELF YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW:

1. i'm pregnant and due in no time
2. i have an addiction to chocolate
3. i met my hubby while on a family music tour
4. my other big obession is interior design
5. my favorite color is purple
6. i was born and raised in louisiana
7. i went to high school in ohio

THANKS, RONDA THAT WAS FUN... I'LL BE TAGGING SOME OTHER FRIENDS SOON! ~ SHELLY

Where does the time go???

WOW! WHERE DOES THE TIME GO???
Well, needless to say, we are tryng to "beat" the system this week and actually get AHEAD of it for a change! It's the end of the week already... Thursday and we haven't had time to update, BLOG or anything else.
Between doctor visits, work and family affairs we haven't anything that would actually be considered NEW-news, though!
Everything is going great with myself and the baby, Greg is still enjoying his new job and we're both very anxious to get Alyson Dawn's nursery ready! In addition to getting all the 'packing' done for that exciting up-coming trip to the hospital!
Well try to do our best to 'catch up' with BLOGSPOT as we find the time...
BTW! Have you had a chance to click on our complete profile (to your right) or checked out our other 'former' sites, yet?
Take care and have a GREAT week, everyone!

Family News

WELL, THE NEWS FROM YOUR PENN PALZ RIGHT NOW IS GOD HAS GIVEN GREG A NEW JOB IN A CHRISTIAN ENVIROMENT, WHICH HE IS ENJOYING VERY MUCH, I MIGHT ADD. HE IS NOW EMPLOYED WITH ENTERPRISE ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL. WE BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN HIM THIS JOB AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME IN OUR LIVES!
NOW ON TO MORE NEWS, IT APPEARS LITTLE ALYSON MAY BE HERE EARLIER THAN EXPECTED... SHE'LL MORE THAN LIKELY ARRIVE IN OCTOBER VS. NOVEMBER! YAY!!! SO CLOSE, NOW...THE CHURCH GAVE SHE AND I THE NICEST BABY SHOWER ANYONE COULD EVER ASK FOR THIS PAST THURSDAY! WE RECEIVED SO MANY NICE THINGS AND ARE SO VERY GRATEFUL FOR EVERYONE THAT WAS ABLE TO JOIN US THAT EVENING. THIS IS ALL JUST SO EXCITING... OUR HOUSE IS 'BUZZING' WITH NURSERY PLANNING ACTIVITIES! WE THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW THAT THE "BABIES R’ US", "TARGET BABY GIFT-CARD-ONLY" AND "BABY DEPOT AT BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY" BABY REGISTRIES ARE STILL UP AND RUNNING.
YOU CAN VIEW THEM AT YOUR LOCAL STORES OR ONLINE AT www.babiesrus.com OR www.target.com OR www.BurlingtonCoatFactory.com ("BABY DEPOT") IT IS OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE UNTIL HER FIRST BIRTHDAY.THE TRUE COLORS OF THE NURSERY DO NOT SHOW ONLINE, THEY CONSIST OF PALE PINK, CELERY GREEN, IVORY WITH JUST A TOUCH OF BERRY PINK IN THE BEDDING. THE ROOM THEME WILL BE "SHABBY CHIC" WITH A MIXTURE OF "FRENCH GARDEN-COTTAGE".

THANK YOU, AGAIN FOR BEING SOME OF THE BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD!!! WE CAN'T WAIT TO INTRODUCE YA'LL TO OUR LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY REAL SOON! LOVE TO ALL!!!